Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke doesn't expect Arsenal to win the Premier League this season. The Gunners hold a four-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table following their 2-2 draw with Sunderland prior to the international break, while Mikel Arteta's men currently sit eight points clear of defending champions Liverpool after the opening 11 games of the season.
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Arsenal emerge as early season favourites
The Gunners missed a great chance to open up a sizeable lead at the top of the table as they conceded a late Brian Brobbey equaliser at the Stadium of Light last time out. Manchester City then eased past defending champions Liverpool in the final game before the international break as goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku wrapped up a 3-0 win over Arne Slot's side.
Even so, Arsenal are the favourites to go the distance for the first time in over 20 years, having finished runners-up in each of the last three seasons. Having invested heavily in the squad over the summer to bring in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, the pressure is on head coach Mikel Arteta to deliver a first major piece of silverware since their 2020 FA Cup triumph.
Arsenal's impressive backline has provided the foundation for their title charge, the Gunners having conceded just five goals in the opening 11 games. However, former Manchester United striker Yorke doesn't think the north London side have what it takes to get over the line.
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'Arsenal will do what Arsenal do again'
Speaking to , Yorke, who won the Premier League title three times with United, said: "I just think Arsenal will do what Arsenal do again. I have a funny feeling that somehow they won’t get it over the line.
"It depends on the competitions they are in too. I’m sure Mikel Arteta is going to prioritise everything. He’s trying to win it all but you’ve got to win your domestic league."
And with defending champions Liverpool struggling, Yorke believes City will pip Arsenal to the title once more this season, adding: "It could get pretty chaotic. I think Man City just have that know-how."
Liverpool's title triumph last season ended City's domestic dominance. The Cityzens had won four Premier League titles on the spin before the Reds' success in Slot's first season at the Anfield helm.
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City boss has talked up Arsenal's title chances
City head coach Pep Guardiola had previously talked up Arsenal's title chances, saying prior to the Gunners' 2-2 draw with Sunderland: "If they continue this way – they play games, they don’t concede goals, not even clear chances, and they win and win – oh my God, it will be almost impossible [to catch Arsenal], but always you expect you will be better and they can drop points. All we can do is win our games and be there close.
"They have to come here, and there are many things in the season that we will experience. It’s exceptional what they have been doing for two or three seasons. It looks like every time it’s closer. But we are in early November, and early November nobody wins the title. You can lose it, but nobody wins the title."
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Arsenal's make-or-break run of fixtures
Arsenal have a tough run of games following the international break as they look to return to winning ways this weekend. The Gunners host rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon and follow up the north London Derby with a home game against German giants Bayern Munich as both sides look to maintain perfect starts to their respective Champions League campaigns.
Arteta's side then make the short trip across the capital to take on Chelsea before the end of the month in what could prove a make-or-break week for Arsenal in their bid to secure domestic and continental silverware.
City, meanwhile, travel to Newcastle on Saturday evening as they look to close the gap at the top of the table to a single point. The Manchester giants then face German side Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium and round off November with the welcome of relegation-threatened Leeds.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are targeting Gary O’Neil as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, and the former manager’s stance on a return has been revealed.
The 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday spelled the end for Pereira, with his side putting in yet another disappointing performance, barely laying a glove on the Cottagers and recording a total xG of just 0.24.
Moreover, the Old Gold were also very poor at the opposite end of the pitch, conceding three goals, which means they now have the worst defensive record in the league.
As such, it is no surprise that Fosun finally had enough and sacked the 57-year-old, who penned a new three-year contract less than two months ago, with Wolves’ Premier League status now under serious threat.
After the latest defeat, which was their eighth in ten Premier League games, the Wanderers are now eight points from safety, leaving the new manager with a lot of work to do to dig them out of the relegation zone.
Gary O'Neil pulls out of Wolves manager race
According to an update from reliable reporter John Percy on X, Wolves entered “advanced talks” to appoint O’Neil, who emerged as a “very strong contender” for the job.
However, the former Old Gold boss has on Monday evening withdrawn himself from the running.
Appointing a manager who was sacked less than 12 months ago could be viewed as a backwards step, and the ex-AFC Bournemouth boss doesn’t have the greatest of records in the Premier League, averaging a little over one point per game.
Games
88
Wins
25
Draws
16
Losses
47
Points per match
1.03
However, the Beckenham-born manager does have experience in relegation battles, successfully guiding the Cherries to safety in the 2022-23 campaign after taking over from Scott Parker, before going on to secure a 14th-place finish with Wolves the following season.
Percy also hailed O’Neil for the job he did at Molineux, after taking over from Julen Lopetegui at a difficult time.
In truth, with Wolves eight points from safety, top managers are unlikely to be queuing up for the job, so to miss out on their former boss is a blow.
Wolves also targeting Brendan Rodgers as Vitor Pereira replacement Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira
The Old Gold have made a very poor start to the season.
The center midfielder, who was a mainstay for the USMNT during the 2022 World Cup, is in danger of missing out on the 2026 tournament on home soil. Could a new manager at Atalanta change his fortunes?
On Aug. 26, Yunus Musah made it clear that he had big plans for the 2025-26 season at AC Milan.
"The nearest goals and achievement for me are winning trophies here at Milan," he told ESPN. "This season we have the possibility to win three trophies [Serie A, Coppa Italia, Italian Supercoppa]. I'd love to win all three of them. And also then go to the national team and win more trophies as well."
That all sounded good. There was confidence, gusto, the idea that Musah believed that all of those things were possible Milan and the USMNT. A week later, he was holding up an Atalanta shirt, grinning, after agreeing to a year-long loan to Milan's direct rivals. Just over two months after that, he is out of the U.S. squad after barely playing for his new club.
It is impossible to speculate on the minutea here. But some things are true. The first is that Musah has played just under 300 minutes of football this season. He has also played for two different club managers and is about to play for a third after Atalanta sacked Ivan Juric on Monday. And, according to insights offered by U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino, it is playing time, not injury, that has seen him dropped from the U.S. squad. Piece it all together, and this looks like a footballer who made one of those rare, truly poor decisions in his career. His move may have come late, but the destination was also frightfully ill-judged, with Musah now stuck in a spot where he is unlikely to play more, and without a steady parent club to return to.
Getty ImagesAllegri didn't rate him
The state of tension between Musah and Allegri was perhaps a bit overblown. But the eye test certainly didn't help. There were, in fact, two significant incidents in the game between Milan and Lecce that suggested that something was up. The first came in the second half, when the American was on the ground after being on the receiving end of a hefty challenge. Allegri didn't "kick" him, per se, but there was, to be sure, contact between the manager's foot and Musah's body.
Later in the game, Allegri berated him for trying to take a throw in quickly with his side leading 2-0 in stoppage time. Musah dropped the ball and looked away without even looking at his coach. It must be acknowledged here that managers and players are allowed to disagree. Allegri, too, isn't exactly the most fun guy. He is a strict disciplinarian who plays intense, testy football. He was famously denied a job in the Premier League when he outlined his playing style: "I don't have one."
Allegri also made it abundantly clear to Milan's hierarchy that he wanted a center midfielder who could offer a little more control in his side. The solution? Veteran Frenchman Adrien Rabiot, one of Allegri's favorites at Juventus, and a regular for Didier Deschamps in the French National Team. The reality was that Musah was always going to be a bit frozen out.
AdvertisementAFPDecision to join Atalanta
And so it proved. Things accelerated rapidly on Musah's move. There had been some scattered talk for a few weeks that his long term future might not lie with the , but the pace at which his loan move was tracked through was remarkable. All of the reporting all summer suggested that Musah was set to be an important player for Milan. But then, on Aug. 27 – less than a week before the transfer deadline – Serie A transfer guru Matteo Moretto reported that a move to Atalanta was gaining traction. The club was reportedly prepared to pay €25 million for his services. Eventually, the two sides agreed on a loan with a club option to buy.
But it was an odd call, all said. There were, admittedly, some things to like about playing for Atalanta. They needed a little midfield depth. They play attacking football. They are in the Champions League this season. There seemed to be plenty of minutes to go around, then.
Tactically, too, the fit was intriguing. Atalanta play a 3-4-2-1, with two disciplined, defensive center midfielders and proper runners on the wing. Musah, at his best, is an energetic, box-to-box No. 8. But he can also play on the right or left. He even admitted, after playing well in a 4-3-3 for the USMNT, that he could play on the wing if needed.
"It's more of a position where you're supposed to be that guy that takes the risks, you're supposed to be that guy that takes on a man and creates [scoring] chances," Musah said. "So ultimately, when the coach tells you to play free, then it gives you even more of a chance to do those things."
Getty Images SportNeeding a position
Musah's versatility, in a way, cannot be questioned. But it might have also held him back a bit. In Milan in the 2023-24 campaign, he played nine different positions. But 42 percent of his minutes came in central midfield, where he was genuinely excellent for spells. The rest? Well, there was some time spent out wide, a bit as a defensive midfielder, and even as a right winger. But the point was, largely, he was a center mid doing center mid things.
The year after, Milan changed managers, and thereby removed the role that Musah had excelled in. Under Paolo Fonseca, he operated mostly as a right attacking midfielder. The Portuguese did not set up in a system that offered his preferred position. And even if he finished the campaign with 1,600 minutes under his belt and 19 Serie A starts, Musah didn't quite offer a sense of specialization that he needed.
And Atalanta have, in a way, capitalized on that. Musah has perhaps a similar problem to Weston McKennie in that he can do a little bit of everything – but is caught in a system that doesn't truly excel in his greatest area.
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AFPA nightmare of a start to the season
The result is a limited role. It was always, perhaps, going to be tough to crack the XI. In Ederson and veteran midfielder Mario Pasalic – a similar profile of player to Musah – they have two established center midfielders. Davide Zappacosta is a mainstay out wide. Raoul Bellanova has impressed on the other wing. Musah isn't a good fit in either of the No. 10 positions.
So, yes, the tactical fit is an awkward one. But what is perhaps even more surprising is just how few minutes he might get. Ederson is a star midfielder who plays nearly every minute. But Pasalic is aging. Zappacosta, too, could do with a rest here and there. Rotational minutes may not be ideal, but even they should still be attainable – especially for a player of Musah's potential. Instead, Musah has played just six times in Serie A, totaling 145 minutes. His one start came not for Atalanta, but Milan – where he played all 90 minutes against Lecce. He has only played five of Atalanta's last 10 games, despite being fit and available for all of them.
His performances, meanwhile, have been agreeable. It is admittedly hard to make much of an impact when minutes are sparse. But Musah assisted in the Champions League, and his efforts when on the pitch cannot be questioned. His dribbling and ball-carrying stats are as strong as ever, too.
Could you name a signing from the Mike Ashley era who would grace the top-five list of Newcastle United’s finest additions of the past 18 years?
Fabricio Coloccini, Yohan Cabaye, the late Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse would all stake compelling claims. Spilling into the Eddie Howe era at St. James’ Park are Jacob Murphy and Fabian Schar, and their cases are strong too.
Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle
Rank
Player
Apps
1
Bruno Guimaraes
164
2
Fabian Schar
160
3
Dan Burn
159
4
Jacob Murphy
145
5
Joelinton
139
Data via Transfermarkt
Fine players all, but Newcastle have ascended to higher ground over the past four years. Murphy and Schar are industrious and efficient parts of the Toon system, but neither is the cream of the crop.
Let’s have a look at those glittering arrivals of recent years. The difference-makers. The trophy winners. The go-getters.
There are a few who have bloomed into players of the highest class.
Howe's best Newcastle signings
Newcastle were weak, but now they are strong. Once rudderless under Ashley’s tyrannical reign, the Toon charted a new course upon that PIF takeover, and they haven’t looked back.
Time and time again, Howe and his team have got it right. Take Anthony Gordon. The England international suffered his share of flak upon joining from Everton, but he’s gone from strength to strength and has seen interest rebuffed from the likes of Liverpool, who were not put off by the 24-year-old’s £100m valuation in 2024.
Gordon is not alone, and potentially even overshadowed by the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes. In amongst the action from the get-go, the Brazilian has been a pillar of strength in the middle of the park, effortlessly good.
One of Guimaraes’ finest qualities is that he bleeds black and white. Forget the peerless technical quality, cast out the steely tenacity, here is a man who loves the club and has channelled his passion toward illustrious success.
There are many more besides still plying their trade in a Newcastle shirt, but these are likely the superstars.
We must mention Alexander Isak, who was arguably the best striker in the Premier League last season, scoring 27 goals. He left in inflamed circumstances and will never again be the flavour of the month on Tyneside.
But Newcastle banked a British-record fee of £125m for the Sweden striker, and given his success at the outfit and the way in which Howe and co have turned those moneybags back to the transfer market is an interesting thing, with one new recruit in particular shaping up to be one of the best signings of the PIF era.
Newcastle star may be the best of the PIF era
Sometimes, you can just tell. And in the case of Nick Woltemade, you can just tell that Newcastle have landed themselves one of the most talented forwards in Europe.
Hailed by reporter Andy Sixsmith for his “mesmerising” link-up play, the German striker may not have chalked his name onto the scoresheet when Newcastle defeated Benfica this week, but his overall play was a thing to behold and evidence that he doesn’t need goals to put in show-stopping performances.
Of course, the goals are nice, and with five from eight matches for his new club this season. He’s only missed three big chances for the club, clinical and precise, and there’s a willingness to drop deep and weave play together, threading the fabric of Howe’s side like a seamster.
This might seem like big praise, but the big man is a big talent, and Newcastle must feel they have got bang for their buck.
It is… telling that Howe’s attacking composition looks like it’s going to stabilise and provide the fans with plenty more joy in the final third in spite of the loss of Isak, such a devastating frontman.
Isak left for a staggering sum, and Newcastle have replaced him with Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, currently sidelined with a knee injury but sure to be a confident goalscorer when he makes his bow. Now United are making headway once again; now they are demonstrating signs of attacking qualities which could evolve into something new and in line with the lofty ambitions.
While Woltemade arrived from Stuttgart this summer for a £69m fee, breaking that previous record price, he is demonstrating that Newcastle are receiving bang for their buck. It is unlikely the goals will dry up and Newcastle will become parched at number nine, should they continue to make creative gains, piecing back together the full fluency of Howe’s team.
The underlying data tells much of his potential. Thanks to FBref’s data, we can show that Woltemade ranks among the top 5% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.
He is, plainly, rather good, and will only get better as he matures and develops within the English game.
It is too early to claim with any conviction that Woltemade has been the definitive best signing of the PIF era at St. James’ Park.
The likes of Gordon and Guimaraes, after all, have played instrumental roles in the ascension of Howe’s project, leading the club twice into the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.
We cannot definitively call Woltemade the best signing of this new Newcastle chapter, but we can extrapolate from the early readings in black and white and say, confidently, that this is a special striker, and he’s gearing up for more and more success.
Newcastle superstar is starting to emulate Shearer & it's not Woltemade
Newcastle thrashed Benfica at St. James’ Park in the Champions League.
Wednesday night saw Arsenal pick up their second win in as many Champions League games this season.
Was it the perfect performance? No, probably not, but Mikel Arteta made a slew of changes to the lineup, and on another night, they could have scored a handful more goals.
Moreover, several starters really shone, including David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and, even though he didn’t score, Viktor Gyokeres looked lively.
However, when it comes to the man of the match, it’s hard to look past Martin Odegaard, who, unlike one of his teammates, has undoubtedly played himself into the lineup for West Ham United.
Arsenal's best player vs Olympiacos
It would be fair to say that, following his ankle injury, last season was one to forget for Odegaard.
The Arsenal captain looked a shell of his former self for the best part of a year, so much so that plenty of fans and pundits alike began to doubt his quality and ability to get back to his best.
Now, it’s certainly still early doors in that respect, but the Norwegian looked great in his cameo against Newcastle United on Sunday, and then took things up another level against Olympiacos on Wednesday.
According to content creator Connor Humm, the Gunners’ number eight showed a version of himself that “has been absent too long” and was “sensational.”
It would be hard to disagree, as for much of the first half and moments of the second, he seemed to be constantly playing perfect balls through the Greek side’s defence and got his rewards with an assist for Bukayo Saka’s strike.
The Drammen-born star was so effective that the Standard’s Simon Collings gave him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘looked so sharp and played some majestic through-balls’.
Such high praise is more than justified by his statistics, as in his 95 minutes of action, the 26-year-old amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 1.65, took 86 touches, played four key passes, was accurate in seven of ten long balls, took one shot on target, completed 100% of his dribbles and made one clearance.
Odegaard’s game vs Olympiacos
Minutes
95′
Expected Goals
0.72
Expected Assists
0.93
Assists
1
Key Passes
4
Touches
86
Long Balls (Accurate)
10 (7)
Shots on Target
1
Dribbles (Successful)
1 (1)
Clearances
1
Tackles
1
All Stats via Sofascore
In short, it was the kind of performance that has to see him keep his place for the weekend, which is the opposite for another starter.
Arsenal's worst player vs Olympiacos
While most of the team played well, some starters, such as Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli, were not particularly impressive, despite the latter’s goal.
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However, it would be hard to deny that the most disappointing display in red and white on Wednesday night came from Leandro Trossard.
The Belgian international retained his place in the starting lineup from the Newcastle game, but unfortunately, he was even less effective than he had been in that match.
In fact, if there is one word to describe the 30-year-old’s display against the Greek outfit, it would be frustrating.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion star kept finding himself in promising positions, but time and time again, he’d waste the moment, either through a wayward shot or a poor pass.
Collings felt similarly about the winger, giving him a rather generous 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘wasted’ his fair share of chances.
Unsurprisingly, his statistics tell a similar story: in 73 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.48 but failed to produce either, took 48 touches but completed just 17 passes, lost 50% of his duels, lost the ball 14 times, and was dribbled past twice.
Trossard’s game vs Olympiacos
Minutes
73′
Expected Goals
0.44
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.04
Assists
0
Passes
17/25 (68%)
Touches
48
Long Balls (Accurate)
4 (2)
Shots on Target
1
Lost Possession
14
Duels (Won)
12 (6)
Dribbled Past
2
All Stats via Sofascore
It was a performance that did little to dispel the idea that the 5 foot 8 ace is far better coming off the bench than starting games.
Therefore, while it might seem harsh, Arteta should look to drop Trossard for the upcoming game against West Ham.
Not Mosquera: Arsenal have signed a Gabriel & Saliba hybrid in £45m "beast"
The international star could be a game-changer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta this season.
Manchester United and Ruben Amorim bounced back with a win against Sunderland on Saturday, and a key update has now emerged over the manager’s future.
Amorim's future still in doubt after Sunderland win
Admittedly, opting to relieve managers of their duties over the years hasn’t necessarily made Manchester United a better side. Still, pressure is continuing to grow on Amorim as he attempts to arrest his side’s slump in form.
Gareth Southgate has been linked to the Old Trafford hotseat and could be a safe option in light of his steady progress with England, and Peter Crouch believes that if a change is coming in the dugout, the ex-Three Lions boss is an ideal fit to step in.
He said via The Mirror: “I love Gareth (and) he’s had some stick unfairly. He took us to the finals. It was frustrating, you know, not to get over the line. If he won one game, then would there be a statue of him.
“He’s gone from a statue to people thinking he’s not good enough for the Man United job. It’s such a fine line in football. I think he’s someone that could build something there. You keep getting managers over that are here for the short term, like I think Gareth Southgate is someone who can build something big.”
Reportedly, Manchester United would need to pay £12 million to sack Amorim, which would be a hefty price to pay if they decide he is not the right man to take them forward, and a cost which they can now avoid at least a little longer after Saturday’s rather comfortable 2-0 victory against the Black Cats at Old Trafford.
"First class" manager who brings "fun factor" to training speaks about links to Man Utd
Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure…
ByBen Goodwin Oct 3, 2025
Either way, there needs to be some clarity one way or another; something that Ornstein now looks to have provided in his latest update on events at Old Trafford.
David Ornstein shares how Man Utd feel about Ruben Amorim
Speaking to NBC Sports, Ornstein made it clear that Man Utd are keeping faith in Amorim and both parties want to keep moving forward in the right direction, while he still retains the backing of the squad.
He said: “Ruben Amorim is under major pressure, but I think most of that pressure is applied on him by himself, as well as the burden of being Manchester United manager. Manchester United themselves, as I understand, they’re not planning to sack him. They don’t want or intend to, and I don’t think he’s planning to walk away from this.
“Last season, I think he really felt the strain, and people I speak to say he was questioning if he could succeed there. But I do think, incrementally, there is a bit of improvement felt, however small, especially with some of the new signings, and it is still very early.”
Later, he added: “Results will need to improve; we can’t get away from that, and we know how this industry operates, but I think they would like to give him more time.”
Ultimately, giving managers more time is a game of risk versus reward. Manchester United know that the grass isn’t necessarily always greener, but the impact of a bounce under a new coach could also spark their season into life.
There will be plenty of conflicting opinions on Amorim’s future, though he appears to be safe for now as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS favour continuity over instability.
This season feels like a do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
The Spaniard has done a brilliant job of taking the club from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in five years, but he now needs to get the team over the finishing line.
Fortunately, even with the absurd number of injuries they’re already facing, the Gunners now have a squad full to bursting with brilliant players, like Eberechi Eze, who could help them win the Premier League or Champions League.
Interestingly, though, while Arsenal should be delighted to have the Crystal Palace star on the books, one of their former players is currently performing just like him.
The problems Eze solves for Arsenal
Now, while there are undoubtedly other things he brings to the table, there are two main ways Eze can help Arsenal, and they are somewhat interlinked.
Firstly, the Gunners ended last season with 17 fewer goals scored than champions Liverpool, and therefore needed to go out and sign a serious attacking threat in the summer, like the former Palace star.
For example, in 43 appearances last season, totalling 3,303 minutes, the England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.
Eze in 24/25
Appearances
43
Minutes
3303′
Goals
14
Assists
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, and the fact that he was able to do so in a mid-table side is even more encouraging.
This links to the other main way in which the Greenwich-born star could help the Gunners: his positional versatility.
On top of being proven in the number ten role, the former QPR gem is more than capable of playing off the left.
Not only will this give Arteta more tactical flexibility in games, but it also means the 27-year-old will be able to provide genuine competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, two players who underperformed last year.
In all, Eze looks like an excellent signing for Arsenal, even though a player sold by the club years ago is starting to resemble the £68m man.
The former Arsenal star playing like Eze
It would be fair to say that Arsenal do not have the best track record when it comes to selling, often due to them selling a player for way less than their worth.
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That isn’t actually the case in this instance, as former Hale Ender Alex Iwobi was sold to Everton in 2019 for a hefty fee of around £35m.
The Nigerian wasn’t a bad player for the Gunners, far from it, but he wasn’t ever spectacular, and so when the Toffees made an offer like that for someone who’d amassed a tally of 39 goal involvements in 149 games, it was probably the right decision to let him go.
While he played a big role on Merseyside, the versatile international was eventually sold to Fulham for around £22m in the summer of 2023, and it would be accurate to say he’s been at his best with the Cottagers.
In fact, since moving to Craven Cottage, the former Gunners ace has scored 16 goals and provided ten assists in 83 appearances, totalling 6118 minutes.
Iwobi’s senior career
Club
Arsenal
Everton
Fulham
Appearances
149
140
83
Goals
15
9
16
Assists
24
16
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.26
0.17
0.31
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Yet, despite putting in consistently good performances for the West Londoners and already racking up three goal involvements in five league games this season, some consider him to be overlooked, with journalist Daniel Storey going as far as calling him “one of the most underrated midfielders in the country.”
With that said, what makes him like Eze?
Well, the first similarity the Nigerian shares with the Gunners ace is his positional versatility, as he’s just as comfortable playing on the wing as he is in midfield.
Second, he is also becoming a greater goal threat for his side, racking up 15 goal involvements in the league last season and just seven the year before.
Finally, like the North Londoners’ new star, he is also capable of making things happen, both through his brilliant close control and ability to deliver a pinpoint-accurate cross into the penalty area.
Ultimately, Arsenal did the right thing in selling Iwobi when they did, but it’s also true that the Fulham star is playing incredibly well at the moment, and looking a bit like Eze in the process.
Arsenal had Lewis-Skelly 2.0 in Hale End "monster", then he left for £0
The talented Hale Ender looked like he was going to be a star for Arsenal.
Aston Villa’s transfer activity this summer has been a careful balancing act, reflecting both ambition and necessity.
After losing academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle and contending with persistent Premier League profit and sustainability regulations (PSR), Unai Emery’s side have sought reinforcement across multiple positions.
The Midlands outfit have already added Evann Guessand from Nice, but there remains a pressing need to bolster creativity and experience in midfield, particularly in the event of Morgan Rogers’ departure.
The club’s early campaign has been patchy, with a draw against Newcastle followed by a 1-0 defeat away at Brentford.
Despite summer interest from Newcastle and Manchester United, Ollie Watkins continues to lead the line.
However, there is a growing recognition that midfield reinforcement is required to support their talismanic striker, which in turn will unlock the team’s full attacking potential.
Previously, Aston Villa have gambled on other technically gifted Brazilian midfielders, exemplified by Philippe Coutinho’s arrival after struggling for form at Barcelona.
Now, another South American talent is emerging on the radar, with the potential to recapture that same blend of flair and influence.
Villa enquire about potential Rogers replacement
According to journalist Santi Aouna, Aston Villa have opened discussions with West Ham regarding the possibility of signing Lucas Paquetá.
The 27-year-old Brazilian, who has amassed 55 caps and 11 goals for his national side, is considered one of several midfield options should Villa need to replace Morgan Rogers before the close of the transfer window.
West Ham are understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of £60m, with initial inquiries suggesting Villa would need to meet a minimum valuation of £40m before talks could commence.
Paquetá has undoubtedly experienced a turbulent period at the London Stadium, having faced betting allegations in August 2023.
Although he was cleared of all charges in 2025, the episode is reported to have affected him profoundly.
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Nevertheless, he continues to be highly rated.
Former West Ham player Declan Rice praised the attacking midfielder’s abilities, describing him as “mind-boggling” in terms of quality and vision.
Clubs including Crystal Palace, Manchester City, and Tottenham have reportedly monitored the player, though news of Spurs’ recent acquisition of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons will reduce the likelihood of any continued interest.
For Villa, Paquetá represents a chance to combine proven Premier League experience with the technical finesse necessary to complement both new arrivals and established stars such as Watkins.
Why Paquetá could be Villa’s next Coutinho
Tactically, Paquetá offers Aston Villa a multifaceted solution.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian excels in creating and progressing offensive sequences, with metrics that underline his all-around capability.
According to FBref, last season, he ranked in the 74th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.89) and the 79th percentile for progressive passes (6.16), demonstrating his ability to influence both goal-scoring opportunities and build-up play.
Additionally, he boasts the 84th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area and the 75th percentile for tackles per 90, illustrating a willingness to contribute defensively – a balance Emery prizes in transitional play.
His aerial ability is also notable, with the 89th percentile for aerial duels won per 90, making him a threat in both open play and set-piece scenarios.
The comparison with Coutinho is plain to see.
Before arriving at Villa Park, the Brazilian struggled to live up to his colossal pricetag at Barcelona before briefly flourishing on loan at Bayern Munich.
When at his best, Coutinho combined exceptional vision, dribbling, long-range shooting, and set-piece delivery, ultimately making him a dangerous attacking asset.
Paquetá, arriving at a stage in his career where his technical maturity and Premier League familiarity intersect, could offer a more immediate and sustained impact than his predecessor.
From a squad composition perspective, Paquetá could integrate seamlessly with Villa’s existing framework.
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United.
He would complement Watkins in attack, add creativity in the final third, and relieve pressure on newly-signed Guessand, allowing Emery greater flexibility in rotation and tactical setups.
The midfielder’s proficiency in linking play and breaking lines would enhance Villa’s transitional play, which has been a key focus under Emery’s management.
If the deal progresses, it would also signify Villa’s commitment to international-level talent capable of impacting the Premier League immediately.
After losing Ramsey, and with ongoing interest in Rogers from external clubs, adding a player of Paquetá’s calibre would send a clear message regarding the club’s ambitions.
Aston Villa are prepared to invest in both technical skill and experience to remain competitive domestically and in this year’s edition of the Europa League.
Ultimately, a successful move for Paquetá could mirror the allure of Coutinho’s signing while avoiding the pitfalls that hindered his predecessor.
Villa would acquire a player with vision, creativity, and finishing ability, tempered by Premier League experience and tactical maturity – qualities capable of elevating both the midfield and the team’s overall attacking profile.
For supporters, it represents an opportunity to witness Brazilian flair integrated into a system designed for consistency and results, potentially bridging the gap between raw talent and polished Premier League performance.
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England Under-19 91 for 5 (Mayes 51) beat South Africa Under-19 87 (Minto 3-15) by five wicketsA dominant bowling performance from England Men U19s paved the way for a comfortable five-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the opening Youth ODI at Cape Town.New-ball duo Harry Moore and James Minto did the damage up top taking five wickets between them as the hosts were skittled for just 87.Opener Ben Mayes then broke the back of the chase with 51 from 48 balls while debutant captain Archie Vaughan added 26 as the Young Lions reach their target in 18.3 overs.Moore and Minto immediately got to work after the hosts opted to bat and subsided to 33 for six.The tone was set for an impressive Lions display in the field when Joe Moores held a sharp catch at backward point when Adnaan Lagadien arrowed a backfoot drive off Derbyshire right-armer Moore.Durham left-armer Minto had already had opener Shaylen Pillay caught by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew on his way to figures of innings-best three for 15.Spinners Taz Ali and Farhan Ali ensured the wickets continued to tumble before Worcestershire’s Jack Home – one of three debutants alongside Vaughan and Aaryan Sawant – ended the innings.Home first had Enathi Kitshini caught at backward point by Moores before pulling off a direct hit at the non-striker’s end to run out Nqobani Mokoena.Mayes and Vaughan then combined in a 64-run stand for the second wicket to ensure there were no jitters for the Young Lions. Mayes took the lead role, reaching his half-century from 45 balls, and despite some late wickets the tourists were always on course for a comfortable win.The Lions can secure the three-match Youth ODI series on Sunday when the second match is also played at Western Province CC in Cape Town.
Such is the toxicity of an online fanbase that very rarely do you get a signing that unifies a bunch of supporters, particularly Arsenal.
Their fans love a vent, they love sharing their frustration but there is also an incredible collective unity. That was seen when Eberechi Eze signed for the Gunners on Saturday.
While a deal was wrapped up by Wednesday evening, this move has been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks now with reports suggeting that they had initially agreed the framework of a move back on August 10th.
After that, Spurs stole in and it looked as though Andrea Berta and Co were set to ignore their summer-long interest.
Well, an injury to Kai Havertz turned the tide. Arsenal need another body and they brought one in swiftly, spending over £60m to bring the Crystal Palace star to the north of London.
If reports are to be believed, they might not be done just yet.
Another late signing for Arsenal on the cards
With the arrival of Eze it is highly likely that Arsenal are now done the in the transfer market when it comes to incomings.
That won’t faze many fans, for this has been a cracking window.
Yet, the one player that’s continued to elude the club despite several months worth of links is Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.
Reports earlier in the window suggested that talks had been held but interest has never been followed up. Well, according to reports in Spain, a bid was actually made for the Brazilian.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Reportedly, Arsenal have actually submitted an offer worth £67m for the player. However, amid interest from Manchester City, Madrid are not prepared to sanction a sale unless their asking price of around £78m is met.
As a consequence, this is probably one deal too many for Berta this summer.
Why Rodrygo is as exciting as Eze
Wow, just wow. What a deal this is. The moment that Arsenal were able to steal Eze away from their biggest rivals is an event that fans won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Eze certainly feels like the missing piece of the puzzle. Capable of playing from the left wing or behind the striker as more of a number 10, he’s a maverick, he’s a dribbler, he’s a goalscorer, he’s a creator. He’s got everything in his locker to be a success at Arsenal.
2024/25
43
14
11
2023/24
31
11
6
2022/23
40
10
4
2021/22
19
1
1
2020/21
36
3
6
What fans have perhaps bemoaned the most over the last year is the predictability of the club’s tactics but Eze will certainly help give this attack some unpredictability.
Rodrygo would help do the same and one might still argue that, despite added depth on the left wing now, they don’t have an elite option.
We’re clutching at straws here, but Noni Madueke’s favoured position is on the right and Eze’s preferred role would be more central.
Thus, signing Rodrygo, whether it be now or in the future would be the final piece of the puzzle on the left of Arteta’s forward line.
Real Madrid'sRodrygoarrives at the stadium before the match
While he did go 17 games without scoring at one stage last term, the 24-year-old still netted 14 goals and supplied 11 assists. Remarkably, that is the exact same haul as Eze registered for Crystal Palace across all competitions in 2024/25.
In the words of former teammate Luka Modric, he’s a “superstar” talent. He’s also a maverick, just as Eze is, ranking among the top 20% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes and among the best 13% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.
In the shadow of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr at Madrid, since new boss Xabi Alonso came to the club he’s not received much game time and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Rodrygo grows frustrated and forces a move away from the Spanish capital.
This is a deal that will likely go into 2026 but there’s no doubt that he’s a fabulous player, someone boasting the same level of unpredictability and excitement in attack as Mr Eze.
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